THE owner of Shoebury's beloved "Rasta boat" is facing a race against time after being hit with an eviction notice and told it must be removed in days.

According to owner, Tony Madden, Southend Council has told him the boat, moored off Shoebury's East Beach, must be removed by Wednesday due to its "inappropriate placement".

The boat, painted in the bright colours of the Jamaican flag and called “Mumma Dread”, has been moored in the same place for the last year and has become an iconic landmark for residents.

An urgent fundraiser in 2022 saw enamoured residents lend their support to repair Mumma Dread's rotten cockpit.

Tony is desperate to see the boat protected and feels that his ship is loved by families and residents of Shoebury.

He said: “I am being victimised and I'm simply trying to enjoy the rest of my days here.

“People love the boat, and they come down here and talk about it, it has been my therapy for the last five years and everything seems to be against it now.

“I have had someone arrange to tow the boast to Benfleet boatyards, it is going down there on Wednesday, and I will be keeping it there for a few months, but I want it back in January and February.

“That is why we are petitioning, because if I do bring it back, I will have the same issues.”

Tony claims he has offered to pay any mooring fees along the coast of Southend and Shoebury to keep the beloved boat in its home but has been refused by the council.

Damian Wanstall, who previously led the campaign to raise cash for repairs, has launched a petition to save the boat.

He said: “The general feeling behind the boat is that most people love it.

“Southend Council have the power to say it can’t be there and they will tow it away, they see it as a nuisance rather than how the public feels, that is should be there.”

“It is a colourful little boat and it is very well loved.”

To sign the petition, visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/keep-the-rasta-boat-mumma-dread-at-eastbeach-shoeburyness.

Boat linked with antisocial behaviour, says council

The Rasta Boat has been “moored illegally” in Shoebury and has led to complaints of anti-social behaviour, Southend Council has claimed. 

Following Tony Madden's claims, Southend Council has insisted it is keen to work with Mr Madden but highlighted a number of issues surrounding the boat. 

Matt Dent, cabinet member for culture, tourism, and business, said: “The council has been working for some time to address ongoing issues related to Mr Madden and his boat in Shoebury. 

“While we recognise that some residents and campaigners wish to see the boat preserved as part of local heritage, it is important to note that the boat has been illegally moored in an area not designated for long-term moorings. There have also been repeated complaints from residents regarding antisocial behaviour and other concerns.

“We have issued Mr Madden multiple removal notices over the years, and while a potential sale of the boat this week has been mentioned, we are waiting to see if this resolves the situation. Our priority is to ensure that everyone can enjoy Shoebury’s waterfront responsibly, and we remain open to talking with all parties to find a solution that works for the community.”